Existence of G-quadruplex structures in promoter region of oncogenes confirmed by G-quadruplex DNA cross-linking strategy

Sci Rep. 2013:3:1811. doi: 10.1038/srep01811.

Abstract

Existence of G-quadruplex DNA in vivo always attract widespread interest in the field of biology and biological chemistry. We reported our findings for the existence of G-quadruplex structures in promoter region of oncogenes confirmed by G-quadruplex DNA cross-linking strategy. Probes for selective G-quadruplex cross-linking was designed and synthesized that show high selectivity for G-quadruplex cross-linking. Further biological studies demonstrated its good inhibition activity against murine melanoma cells. To further investigate if G-quadruplex DNA was formed in vivo and as the target, a derivative was synthesized and pull-down process toward chromosome DNAs combined with circular dichroism and high throughput deep sequencing were performed. Several simulated intracellular conditions, including X. laevis oocytes, Ficoll 70 and PEG, was used to investigate the compound's pure cross-linking ability upon preformed G-quadruplex. Thus, as a potent G-quadruplex cross-linking agent, our strategy provided both valuable evidence of G-quadruplex structures in vivo and intense potential in anti-cancer therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Comet Assay
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemical synthesis
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / pharmacology*
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Damage
  • Female
  • Ficoll / metabolism
  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / genetics
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Mice
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oncogenes / genetics*
  • Oocytes / cytology
  • Oocytes / drug effects
  • Oocytes / metabolism
  • Phenylenediamines / chemical synthesis
  • Phenylenediamines / pharmacology*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / metabolism
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / drug effects
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics*
  • Schiff Bases / chemical synthesis
  • Schiff Bases / pharmacology*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Xenopus laevis

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Phenylenediamines
  • Schiff Bases
  • Ficoll
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • DNA